“Independent” and “Orchestra” are not two words you often hear in the same breath. Nevertheless, that’s exactly what The Portland Cello Project is: an “indie cello orchestra”. The somewhat intimidating 8-16 cello ensemble, The Portland Cello Project (or, PCP, as their fans affectionately call them), has had a meteoric rise in the vibrant Portland music scene. The group has a deep-rooted philosophy of building a stronger music community – a belief that collaboration is the ironic cornerstone of independent musicianship — that has led them to collaborative performances with a veritable “who’s who” list of Portland musicians, from Laura Gibson and Horse Feathers to The Dandy Warhols and The Builders and The Butchers.

PCP performances are unique and eclectic, as likely to mix a Salt N Pepa cover with Bach and follow the medley with something sublime by Arvo Pärt or WEINLAND, as they are to enlist beatbox/comedian/playwright Reggie Watts to collaborate on-stage with them in front of 700 people with no rehearsal to cover a Britney Spears song.

In keeping with this philosophy and the spirit of their eclectic live performances, the group has independently produced an LP available nationally August 12, 2008. Featured on this recording are collaborations with Laura Gibson, WEINLAND, Loch Lomond, 3 Leg Torso, a cover of Toxic, Manuel De Falla’s Ritual Fire Dance, and… a few more surprises. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.